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Thursday, 28 December 2006, 08:21 GMT

Hogmanay weather warning issued

Megan Jarvie (left) and Laurie Kynaston in Edinburgh last year High winds and rain are likely to sweep across central Scotland on Hogmanay, weather forecasters have warned.

Organisers of the country's largest street party, which will take place in Edinburgh on Sunday night, said they were keeping an eye on the predictions.

Three years ago the event was cancelled at the last minute due to bad weather.

A spokesman said steps had been taken to deal with bad weather and that there would need to be "severe" gales before this year's event would be halted.

Organisers in Glasgow, where 25,000 people are expected to attend celebrations in George Square, also expect their event to go ahead.

A spokesman for the city council said it was aware that bad weather was being forecast.

'Not fantastic'

But he said: "There are no anticipated problems at this stage.

"We are fortunate in George Square to be right in the city centre - the fact that it's a square provides a natural barrier.

"Our main priority is the safety of those attending and we will continue to monitor the situation closely."

Forecasters have predicted that there could be gusts of up to 70mph as "very, very strong" wind and rain sweep across the central belt on 31 December.

A spokesman for Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2007 said: "We are aware that the forecast is not fantastic.

"We get the long-range forecast and are keeping an eye on the weather"
Edinburgh Hogmanay spokesman

"However, the last few years has seen increased equipment put in place to cope with bad weather.

"There would have to be severe gales on the night for the event to be cancelled."

More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is being headlined by Pet Shop Boys and Paolo Nutini.

A huge firework display and series of outdoor events are also planned in the Scottish capital.

The event was cancelled at the last minute in 2003 because of fears that strong winds between 2200 GMT and midnight could affect stages and other public areas.

The spokesman added: "We get the long-range forecast and are keeping an eye on the weather.

"Our first priority is the safety of the public and the final decision is made on Sunday."



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Related to this story:
Paolo Nutini signs for Hogmanay (24 Oct 06 |  Edinburgh and East )
Capital New Year tickets on sale (07 Oct 06 |  Edinburgh and East )
Hogmanay weather czar for capital (29 Dec 04 |  Scotland )
Hogmanay show shutdowns defended (01 Jan 04 |  Scotland )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Edinburgh Hogmanay
Glasgow Hogmanay
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